WASHINGTON – More than 30 percent of Tennessee’s Medicare suppliers of “durable medical equipment” did not meet licensing requirements and will have their Volunteer State contracts voided, officials announced Wednesday.
On May 23, Tennessee’s 11-member congressional delegation wrote a letter asking whether the Obama administration improperly awarded competitively bid Medicare contracts.
Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, responded Wednesday. Of 98 “durable medical equipment” suppliers, 68 met Tennessee’s requirements and 30 did not, Tavenner said.
Durable medical equipment includes products intended for at-home care of sick or injured individuals. The category includes wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and oxygen equipment.
When asked for a list of suppliers, congressional offices referred inquires to Medicare officials who said they could not provide a list of suppliers at this time.